vocal prowess

USAGE SUMMARY

"vocal prowess" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's talent or ability in singing or using their voice effectively. It can also refer to a person's vocal range, control, or technique. Example: "Mariah Carey's vocal prowess is legendary, as she effortlessly hits high notes and uses her vocal range to convey emotion in her music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Mr. Bostridge, who primarily sings lieder with piano accompaniment, didn't match her vocal prowess.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite his vocal prowess, Patton says the idea of performing live with tētēma is challenging.

The Guardian - Music

As a performer, he was never marked out by charisma or vocal prowess.

The Guardian - Music

Ironically, however, such musical shortcomings only emphasise Turner's ferocious vocal prowess and preternatural charm.

The Guardian - Music

A heavy-metal purist, Mr. Dio was known as much for his vocal prowess as for his Mephistophelean stage persona.

The New York Times - Arts

Houston's rendition of the anthem is studded with vocal gems and remains a master class in vocal prowess.

The New Yorker

Her songs manage to be clever and touching in diverse contexts, and she has substantial vocal prowess.

The Guardian - Music

She was a pianist, an arranger, a producer, a composer, and she had so much vocal prowess.

The Guardian - Music

The singer belts through old hits Devil's Pie and The Root with the vocal prowess of his earlier years.

The Guardian - Music

Both of Mr. Kinnear's forays into Shakespeare, incidentally, were in modern dress, up-to-the-minute vestments no distraction from the actor's vocal prowess.

The New York Times - Arts

It's tremendous fun, and even with "the voice" sounding a little weather-worn, Houston's vocal prowess can still knock stripes off most singers out there in popland.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vocal prowess" to describe a high level of skill and control in singing or vocal performance. It implies more than just basic competence; it suggests a refined talent.

Common error

Avoid using "vocal prowess" to describe someone who simply has a pleasant voice. The phrase is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, control, and artistry in their vocal performances, setting them apart from average singers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vocal prowess" functions as a noun phrase, where "vocal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "prowess". It typically describes the skill or talent in singing or using the voice effectively. The Examples provided by Ludwig show it is widely used in the context of music.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vocal prowess" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe exceptional singing ability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to highlight and praise someone's skill in singing. Its register is generally neutral and it's most frequently found in news and media sources. To ensure correct usage, reserve it for individuals who exhibit outstanding technical skill and control in their vocal performances, rather than simply possessing a pleasant voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vocal skill

Replaces "prowess" with a more common synonym, maintaining the core meaning of ability.

vocal talent

Substitutes "prowess" with "talent", highlighting natural aptitude.

singing ability

More explicit, specifying the ability relates to singing.

vocal expertise

Uses a more formal term, "expertise", suggesting specialized knowledge and skill.

mastery of voice

Emphasizes control and command over one's voice.

vocal command

Highlights the singer's ability to control their voice effectively.

vocal virtuosity

Suggests exceptional technical skill and artistry in vocal performance.

accomplished vocalist

Shifts from the abstract noun "prowess" to describe someone with accomplished vocal skills.

gifted singer

Highlights the inherent talent of the singer.

remarkable vocal ability

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the singer's capability.

FAQs

How can I use "vocal prowess" in a sentence?

You can use "vocal prowess" to describe someone's exceptional singing talent or vocal ability. For example, "The singer's incredible "vocal prowess" captivated the audience."

What are some synonyms for "vocal prowess"?

Alternatives to "vocal prowess" include "vocal skill", "vocal talent", or "singing ability", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "vocal prowess" to describe speaking ability?

While "vocal prowess" typically refers to singing ability, it can occasionally describe exceptional skill in using one's voice for speaking, especially in contexts like acting or public speaking. However, "speaking ability" is generally more appropriate in those cases.

What distinguishes "vocal prowess" from ordinary singing ability?

"Vocal prowess" implies a high level of technical skill, control, and artistry that goes beyond simply being able to carry a tune. It suggests a mastery of vocal technique and the ability to use one's voice with exceptional effectiveness.